Which Excerpt From The Passage Best States The Authors Claim?
In the passage "Sugar Changed the World," authors Sidney Mintz and Douglas Hall make the claim that sugar was a major factor in the development of the modern world. They argue that sugar was a highly profitable crop that led to the rise of slavery, the Industrial Revolution, and the Age of Revolutions.
To support their claim, Mintz and Hall provide a wealth of evidence, including historical records, economic data, and personal accounts. They show that sugar was a major driver of economic growth in Europe and the Americas, and that it played a key role in the development of new technologies and industries.
One of the most important excerpts from the passage that supports the authors’ claim is the following:
"Following the strand of sugar and slavery leads directly into the tumult of the Age of Revolutions."
This statement suggests that sugar was a central force in the political and social upheaval of the 18th and 19th centuries. The authors argue that the demand for sugar led to the growth of slavery, which in turn led to the rise of abolitionist movements. These movements, in turn, helped to inspire the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions.
Another excerpt from the passage that supports the authors’ claim is the following:
"They (abolitionists) created the most effective public relations campaign in history, inventing techniques that we use to this day."
This statement suggests that the abolitionist movement was a major force in the eventual abolition of slavery. The authors argue that abolitionists used a variety of techniques to raise awareness of the evils of slavery, including pamphlets, speeches, and boycotts. These techniques were so effective that they helped to change public opinion and ultimately led to the end of slavery in many countries.
In conclusion, the passage "Sugar Changed the World" provides strong evidence to support the authors’ claim that sugar was a major factor in the development of the modern world. The excerpt "Following the strand of sugar and slavery leads directly into the tumult of the Age of Revolutions" suggests that sugar was a central force in the political and social upheaval of the 18th and 19th centuries. The excerpt "They (abolitionists) created the most effective public relations campaign in history, inventing techniques that we use to this day" suggests that the abolitionist movement was a major force in the eventual abolition of slavery.
Additional Questions
In addition to the questions that are directly addressed in the passage, there are a number of other questions that could be asked about the authors’ claim. For example:
- What were the specific economic and political consequences of the sugar trade?
- How did the rise of sugar production impact the environment?
- What is the legacy of slavery in the modern world?
These questions could be explored in further research or discussion. They would help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of sugar on the world.
